An official said the amount for each ward will be released to its development committee and the local ward councillor and the divisional engineer will manage the funds.

There were complaints that the councillors are not being involved in the process of cleaning the lanes and bylanes. We set the process right, as the officials play a crucial role in maintaining civic amenities in the city, the official said.

Each garbage lifter would be paid Rs 4,100 per month, including the cost of the handcart and the tools.

The councillors, on the other hand, face complaints from the people that nothing is being done to keep the lanes and bylanes clean.

The official said keeping the lanes and bylanes clear of garbage has become a headache for the corporation, as there are a number of problems involved in the whole process.

The executive engineers of the respective wards have been made responsible for the maintenance of the accounts and submission of utilisation certificates.

We are flexible and the councillor may employ more handcarts if required. He may collect user charges from the public to meet the expenses, said the official, adding that the mayor has already approved the scheme.

The entire process has been made scientific and a proper format has been prepared for the submission of bills and utilisation certificates.

The bills will have to be submitted on a monthly basis.

We hope that the councillors will now be responsible in discharging their duties. The government is serious that the lanes and bylanes are also kept clean, the official said.

The bylanes of the city present a sorry sight, as garbage is seen scattered at the street corners.

Nobody listens to us. The councillors keep harping on their own problems of getting funds from the authorities, said Bhaben Goswami, a resident of Silpukhuri.